Dec 22, 2008

11 Tips to Make Traveling Fun

Packing a bag and hitting the road with family is always a fun and exciting adventure. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones that seems harder and harder to come by these days.

Whether you are renting an RV for a cross-country trip or you are catching a flight to a far-off destination, it is always best to plan ahead. People are used to making lists – of what clothes, personal items, books, medicine, etc., to pack – to ensure that the trip starts smoothly. But here we have a list for you to read, of 11 tips that may help the family trip go smoothly from start to finish.

1. Allow your family, especially the kids, to help plan the trip. This can be fun for the entire family to be involved in, and starts things out with a common effort toward a common goal.

2. Have both a travel itinerary and an activity itinerary. The first one, of course, tells you where your flight departs from or what roads you’ll be driving. The latter is just a simple list of activities that you and your family plan on doing after you arrive. It can help things go a little smoother at times, especially if you are able to choose from several different activities for each day.

3. Bring a snack or picnic lunch if you’re traveling on the road. All parents know that kids can get hungry fast. Bringing snacks and drinks can assure you that they won’t be hungry. It is also nice to stop off at a park or rest stop and have a picnic lunch together outside.

4. Packing your luggage the night before you leave may not sound like fun. But packing ahead of time is essential, especially with kids, and getting them involved in the packing is what can make it fun (particularly for them). Packing the night before the trip will help you to remember what you need, and making a list beforehand of items that you will need to bring also speeds the process.

5. Bring lots of activities for long road trips or flights, as these can be boring for anyone, and again, especially for the kids. Puzzles, magazines, coloring books and/or a CD or DVD player can help ease the tension of a long trip.

6. Stop along the way. Take some time out to stop along the way at some of the sites that you are sure to pass on your adventuresome road trip. Depending on where you are, and if you’re driving through new and fascinating territory, this can be very exciting for the entire family. Don’t forget to take pictures of any famous or unique landmarks or scenery, which leads to the next point.

7. Take lots of photos, period. Taking pictures on your trip will capture memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s great fun, too. Allow your entire family to be involved in the picture taking (yes, even the kids). This way they have the opportunity to capture some of the excitement on film, too. If you also bring a video camera, you can teach your children the proper way to use it and that will make them feel more involved. And don’t forget to ham it up and mug for the camera!

8. Why not take the train? If you’re traveling with children, a train might be a better choice than either a car or a plane. Everyone knows how confined an airplane can be. When it comes to kids, they like as much freedom to move as possible. A train can provide a comfortable, safe and roomy way for the whole family to travel, and it’s a rare adventure these days.

9. Research your trip and destination on the Internet. Doing some research before the trip can be a time-saver. If you have teenagers that love to be on the Internet, have them take some time to research your destination. This will give them some useful knowledge of the place, as well as make them feel like they are helping with the trip planning. It will also be fun for them to be the “expert” upon your arrival, teaching the rest of the family what they found out.

10. Booking child-friendly accommodations will allow you to use all the other ideas you’ve developed with the help of this article. If you plan to stay in a hotel at your flight destination, or one or more along the way on a road trip, find out what activities are available for your children. Check on spas and other services for yourself, too, since you will want to have fun, also.

11. Finally, if you expect the unexpected, and prepare for adversity, you will not allow unforeseen events to spoil your fun. You never know what you might be getting into when planning a vacation, as there are so many things to consider. Using these tips can help your vacation be a successful one, just as following a simple list can make a huge difference. Think of as many details as possible, from extra batteries and a first-aid kit to plastic garbage bags for dirty laundry and a couple of rolls of quarters for video game arcades.

In addition to these 11 tips, it is also recommended that a good vacation plan include a budget, preferably one that will be paid for with money that was put away just for this purpose. Saving up for the trip is also something that the whole family can get behind, and even make enjoyable. You can set up a common savings jar at home, or one for each child so they can compete with their nickels and dimes. Both kids and parents can contribute, and the smallest bit pocket change can help build a healthy vacation fund.

Although tedious at times, traveling is also very exciting and a source of great, good fun for the entire family. This is true before, during and even after the vacation. You have seen how fun it can be to plan and save for the vacation beforehand, and during the trip you can all get to know one another better while having fun with both planned and unplanned activities. And finally, after your vacation, you will bring home pictures, souvenirs, stories and some great memories to share with others.Tag My Bags is a supplier of personalized luggage tags online. When you want to find your back quickly and easily – visit TagMyBags.com. The only supplier of licensed Disney luggage tags.

Nov 20, 2008

Memorable Festivals

The earliest is the San Sebastian Drum Festival during the month of January. The celebration is marked by a parade of people marching while playing drums on the first night of the month. The participants usually paraded through the entire city. The following day, the Child Drummer’ Ceremony commenced also called Tamborrada Infantil.In Valencia, the spring starts with the Fallas de San Jose festival. Gigantic cardboard monuments called ninots are carefully made in a competition that involves art. Around 700 of the ninots are erected on streets and will be lightened up on the 19th showing off a spectacle of light, sounds and firework displays. The most voted ninots will not be burned with the others and will be later on the collection of the Fallero Museum.Red wine and seafoods are free during the celebration of the Romeria Vikinga, a marvelous celebration in Pontevedra in honor of the Christian natives who fought against the attack of Vikings. After the free food and wine, celebrants dances with the sounds from bagpipes. Everyone participates in the re-enactment of this invasion. Locals come dressed in pirates and native attire.Other dancing activities are held in La Borbollal, Asturias for their fiesta. Musicians and dancers perform and sing for the Virgin. This festival is celebrated in the middle of the month of August until September.In addition, of course found here is the famous food fight, La Tomatina. Both local and tourist happily enjoy tomato wars during the last Wednesday of August. Prime targets by this tomato-throwing crowd are those people wearing a cap or holding a camera. It is a whole day of fun.Other Spain festivals that interesting are the fiesta de Verano, Festes de Sants, Dia de Asturias and Misterio de Elche. Read More.....

12 Key Tips on Investing in Real Estate

The idea of owning a piece of real estate has always been popular, but once again it seems to be gaining a lot of new fans. Many investors have grown tired of the ups and downs of the stock market, and see the current slump in real estate prices as an obvious “buying opportunity.”
Owning real estate used to be the easiest way to climb your way to the top of the money tree. It may not be so easy now, and you should probably forget about the once-popular practice of “flipping” properties. It is probably advisable to look at real estate the way our grandparents did, as something to hold onto. This doesn’t mean a lifelong investment, necessarily, but in today’s soft markets you are not going to buy one week and sell at a profit the next. Those days are gone, perhaps for a very long time. Time, of course, will tell!
Once you have made the final decision to purchase property as an investment, the real hard work begins. Finding a piece of property that is going to be right for you and your particular needs takes time. It also takes a lot of reading, talking, using connections – and a whole lot of research. Here are 12 tips to help you get started, whatever the market conditions and wherever you happen to be, both financially and geographically:
1. When investing in real estate don’t be shy about taking advice from the experts and the financial institutions that are more knowledgeable. Getting good advice and the proper guidance will assure that your buying experience will be positive one. Therefore it is important to gather good, current, usable information from reliable sources.
2. Planning ahead is a key element in a successful real estate investment. Before you decide to put a good portion (or all) of your life savings into property, be meticulous about the planning of the entire venture. This includes the location of the property, the development and how it will eventually profit you.
3. Buy a fixer-upper. This can be a worthy investment in the longer-term sense, as you will be investing “sweat equity” over time rather than cash right away. Your time has value, certainly, but there is greater flexibility when you do the work yourself.
4. Once you acquire a property, use it as a rental. This is a pretty straightforward way of obtaining a steady monthly income. If you decide to do this, make sure that you have an arrangement with the tenants in the form of a legal lease agreement. That way there is no confusion on how the property should be maintained. If you can have tenants ready as soon as the property is secured, all the better.
5. Find a motivated seller. Sellers usually are more inclined to sell faster when there are other factors involved. Usually this includes the loss of employment, relocation, divorce or illness. Keep your eyes and ears open, and talk to as many people as possible.
6. Make an offer. After you’ve invested all of those long hard hours into the research, it’s finally time to put the pen to paper. Be sure that you have at least two contingency plans in place just in case things don’t go as planned. That way if you can’t rent or sell the property, you are not stuck with you finger in the dam and have the wherewithal to survive a delay in your timeline.
7. Have your financing arranged. Once the seller has agreed to your offer, the deal is almost at the closing point. If you’re planning on closing the deal alone, have the financing lined up with the lender so there are no last-minute snags that provide an “out” for the buyer.
8. Follow through with the deal. Usually investing in property leads to three things for investors: buying, fixing and selling. The offer, and the underlying plan, will be based on certain assumptions about the sale price and the renovation plans, and will operate best on a fixed timetable. Follow through and don’t delay.
9. Purchase a property that is in foreclosure. This can make for a lucrative investment, as the property will sell below the actual market value. Be prepared for lots of competition for these kinds of listings.
10. Buy two properties in one. A duplex, for example, is a good investment for someone looking to own property, live on it and make some rental income, as well. You end up with two small homes for the price of one larger house, in many cases.
11. Know the condition of the property before purchasing. Invest a little time and money to have the appropriate professionals come out and do an overall evaluation of the property to ensure that you are not setting yourself up for total disaster.
12. The final and most important tip is, LEARN! Gain as much knowledge as possible about investing in real estate. The more you know the better. Getting into buying and selling property without having all your ducks in a row, especially in the volatile markets we are now facing around the world, can put you in a rut that may be hard to escape.
Overall, the idea is to read, listen, ask questions, do your homework and learn all you can before plunking down your hard-earned dough. You might even be able to make a living with real estate investments. It is dangerous and volatile, as mentioned, but some people thrive on that kind of challenge.
If you don’t thrive on fast-paced wheeling and dealing, and still want a house, just buy the one you can see living in the rest of your life. All the same advice applies, whether you are buying one home to live in forever, or starting your own real estate empire. It all comes down to common sense, getting the right information, talking to the right people – then making all the right moves. Just keep your wits about you, ask the tough questions and, when you’re ready to “pull the trigger” on a deal, take your best shot.

John Dale is a leader in Maple Ridge, BC real estate and investing in the region.  Looking for beautiful property in BC – look no further than JohnDale.ca.  John Dale:  your Maple Ridge real estate properties expert.

Nov 19, 2008

Wallabies,All Black,Springboks

Wallabies,All Black,Springboks
Want to tour Pamplona taking part in the Running of the Bulls in Spain, party in the beerhalls of the Munich Oktoberfest, celebrate New Years at Hogmanay, Edinburgh?

Oct 26, 2008

Bullfight, the Spanish Way

The aristocrats used good bred horses and plays the game while in horseback. The citizens later on adopted it as a common sport sans the use of horse started and still in practice today. The traditional bullfights are almost the same with the modern ones. Although some of the practices are simplified, the rules of the game are quite the same.The matador has an entourage that is composed of six aides: lancers, flagmen and sword page. There are two lancers also called picadores, the bandilleros (flagmen) are three and one mozo de espada. Inspired by Spain’s colorful clothing, the toreros or matadors wears Andalusian clothing.The matador by this time confronts the bull and observes very carefully. The picaderos will follow after the trumpet sound signal was heard and the bull’s first draw blood will be done. Drawing blood between the neck and shoulder blades will weaken the bull. Bullfight passes will be shown here by the matador to please the crowd. The next stage will further weaken the animal by jabbing two sharp sticks called banderillas on the flank of the bull. The inflicted wounds will make the animal charged more wildly. The matador will soon re-enter without his entourage carrying a red cape called muleta and a sword. This stage is called the faena. The faena is the best part and most impressive on this game. On this part, the matador will show off his courage and elegant moves using the muleta to bring the bull in a position that will enable him to stab it in the heart through the shoulder. Read More....

Oct 18, 2008

Hotels in Spain

Hotels in SpainWhen in Spain, beaches and swimming will never be out of the list of places to visit and things to do in Spain. As we visit the best beaches of Spain, hotels always tops on our list when it comes to places to stay.Majestic Hotel and SPA Barcelona – it is another luxurious hotel in Spain though an old one. Since 1918, the hotel is already located right at the heart of Barcelona. It is accessible to most of the exciting landmarks like the Las Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluna, Gothic Quarter, and Gaudi’s major architectural works. The Majestic Hotel has the exquisite accommodations and excellent service that every traveler would surely enjoy. With 303 rooms and suites, travelers will surely have a lovely stay at the hotel without the worries when it comes to availability of rooms.That’s not all, the hotel also has a business center equipped with broadband internet, five PCs with windows XO, CD player and recorder, DVD, laser and ink jet printers, photocopier, fax, scanner, shredder, and office supplies that will lets you keep in touch wit your family, work or business even if you are on vacation or on a business trip. The hotel also has a courtesy car with GPD in 10 languages so you can have a comfortable stroll around the city and the surrounding area.Cheap Hotels Compare hotel deals in london central, airport, gatwick, bridge, city centre, edinburgh, scotland and waterloo.
Read More...

Oct 12, 2008

Dublin

Dublin, Ireland
Music is something that the citizens of Dublin hold dear to their hearts. Bloomsday is a celebration in which those who live in Dublin dress
up in their finest Joycean costumes and dance and march around the whole city. They will show of their best moves for the garden parties that
are held in Trinity or will cavort down St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. The people are free to have fun and the entertainment is
something that cannot be matched anywhere else. Dublin is a very modern city – which means that you will have no problems finding a restaurant that the whole family will love. The portionsare generous, the prices are affordable, and the view while you eat is spectacular.Read More....

Sep 28, 2008

Sasebo

Sasebo
The best souvenirs can be found at Sasebo’sarcade. There they have anything that you could think of and could ever want. The best time to stop by the arcade is during January 2nd when their bargain sale – Hatsuuri – begins early in the morning. Around the arcade you can easily stop into one of the coffee houses or eateries and sample some authentic Japanese food.The history of Sasebo’s Mikawachi Pottery goes back almost 400 years and is one of the best places to see some true art and history. The pieces that you can find at Mikawachi are made using the traditional techniques of Sukashibori and Karakoe. Read More...

Sep 14, 2008

Mauritius

Mauritius
The Balaclava Ruins are located near the Baie aux Tortues. During the 17th century sailors named the place after the variety and the number of
tortoises that are in the vicinity of the old Balaclave estate. There you will be able to see the original sea walls of the area that were
first created by Mahé de Labourdonnais.The Grand bay is the place for tourists to
hang out and find everything they need. It is also home to the best bars, discos, and restaurants that the Mauritians love to hang out in.

Sep 7, 2008

Rome

Rome, Italy
Make all of your wishes come true at the Fontana di Trevi. The tradition is that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder the fountain itself would make sure that you returned to Rome and again saw all of its beautiful and splendor. It has always been a landmark in Rome – but its popularity grew after the movie ‘Three Coins In A Fountain’ was made and was centered around it.No one can pass through Rome without stopping at this amazing arena and seeing exactly where the gladiators fought and the chariots raced. The Colosseum was first opened in 72 AD and is still able to hold 55,000 people.

Aug 24, 2008

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Prince Edward Island

The Confederation
Trail allows visitors to explore the vastness of the land and the
diverse environment. It is built on what was PEI’s former railway line and
since 1994 government officials have been working hard to make it better.
From the train you can view the amazing landscapes.

Prince Edward Island

Aug 5, 2008

Jul 26, 2008

Kerala, India
The culture of Kerala is different and unique to travelers who have
never been before. They are a diverse culture that take part in many
festivals that are exciting and a must see for anyone who comes when there
is one being held. There is no lack of things to do. They have many
different water sports, cruising, and several different tourist attractions
including tours of the beautiful landscape and historic places around
the area. please more information click here........Kerala, India


Jul 18, 2008

Buying a home for the first time or even for the tenth time is a decision that should not be made lightly. There are many things that go into buying a home and it can be an expensive process.Florence apartment rentalsFlorence apartment rentals in Italy where you find short term apartment rentals for your holiday in Florence

Real estate Blog
London, England
London, England is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. It is a city that is full of life, entertainment, history, and a bit of
excitement. When it comes to London you won’t know where to begin. Should you start off in one of the many museums and take in a bit of the culture that is still around today? Maybe you should visit the different areas of the palace and try to feel for yourself what it would be like to be a
princess or even a king.
London Travel Guide